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Dr. Irwin "Rocky" Freeman
We welcome you to our final session. Concerned Christian. The view of death or death. The Christian view. For those of you that have been here and our discussions afterwards and our question and answer period.
We hope that it's been beneficial to you. I Believe that we have learned some things concerning the Christian view concerning that which is so reticent To be spoken of by so many people tonight I want to cover a Couple of important topics the first one being what and where is Heaven.
What and where is heaven? Where is the final abode to be. This is a matter about which little is known for it's generally neglected. One seldom hears heaven mentioned in conversation in religious circles and even in church services.
It is rarely discussed because there is such a lack of knowledge of heaven. People entertain a variety of opinions. You hear very few sermons and there's not much teaching concerning the subject. Some claim there is no heaven.
It is here on earth in goodness, and it's enjoyed here. This is it. Some say they do not know whether there is a heaven or not. Their agnostic concerning the subject. Some do not regard it of sufficient importance to devote much consideration to a subject about which so little can be known.
Many people in Christian circles say that if there is one They will be there when they die and if not, there'll be none the worse off for not bothering about it. Many professing Christians take that particular position.
But to refuse to consider the subject of heaven order to neglect to do so is not far short of dealing Deceitfully with the Word of God. Now I have a tape on the subject of heaven that we go into it quite extensively and I Trust that you might want to study further with that subject.
For those of you who are enrolled in our study league to. But there are many people We find who are willing and want to know all there is to know about heaven and they welcome any help to the scene. Well, let me begin by mentioning the word heaven.
It does occur some five hundred and fifty times in the scripture. Jesus Christ himself referred to it quite frequently. Declaring more than one time that he came down from heaven that in in due time. He would return to it.
The Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos in the vision that he had when getting the wonderful incomparable book of the Revelation Was permitted to see into the heavenly realm. Because of that vision we have this incomparable book which is filled with truth about the heavenly realm.
There is no language to portray fully and there is not sufficient Capacity within man's being to receive a full understanding of what life will be like in the heavenly realm. There are some difficulties in this first of all.
That is one of the serious difficulties of understanding even the facts which God has been graciously kind enough to reveal concerning heaven. Another difficulty is some people feel that they must make it a strange unreal sort of place.
It is amazing how strange and unreal sort of place that people tried to make the heavenly realm. I think they forget that the personal qualities that make up the human soul are the only personal qualities of which one knows anything about.
Well think with me. What is revealed about heaven? What facts do we have? First of all, it is real. Very simply it is real. The Lord gives us the assurance in John chapter 14 verse 2 in my father's house on many mansions.
Some translations have it many abiding places. If it were not so I would have told you I go to prepare a place. For you now, he already came from the father. So obviously he is going to prepare a particular place for them with this assertion.
There can be nothing more certain than that heaven is real. Secondly, it is not far away. Many people think that it is. They sing about the faraway land of the blessed but in reality it is not far removed from this life.
There is no great distance between that world and this one. King David called it only the valley of the shadow of death. Jesus told the thief on the cross today shall thou be with me in paradise. There was no long painful journey.
It is not far away for the scripture says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. It is real and it is not far away. But also thirdly it is a state of permanency. Permanency now don't make the mistake.
It does not mean stagnation or fixation. Permanency means freedom from all anxiety of change and defeat. The believer in the Holy City will be blessed with a sense of infinite protection and repose. They will be where the limitations of earth and the checks and hindrances of falling time and Disease and weakness and death are unknown where every hope and plan that is conceived will find complete fulfillment.
It is a state of permanency. It is also a definite location. There are those who argue that heaven is a state or condition of the mind. To be sure there is a state or condition involved. But that does not prove there's no such thing as a place nor does it conflict with it?
Indeed I think the one implies the other for of what value is a state or condition. Without a place to exercise that state or condition a right state is a preparation for a right place. For example Abraham's bosom that we read up in the scripture suggests a place.
Paradise to which Christ took the penitent thief denotes a place. Our Lord called it a place. We just saw it. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14 to he most certainly gave the impression to his disciples.
That he meant for them to understand that it was a definite place a real location. In Matthew chapter 6 verse 19 20 he said our Father which art in heaven. Now I understand as you the word heaven is used in a variety of ways.
Both in the Old Testament portion to the scripture and the New Testament portion of the scripture and the chief of these are three. First of all, it is used as the dwelling place of God. Secondly the abode from which Jesus Christ came and to which he has returned.
Thirdly, it is the destination of the perfected Saints. Now Jesus urges believers to lay up treasures in heaven. You recall in Matthew 6 verse 20 says where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through and steal.
Moth and rust do not operate in a state or condition of the mind nor do these break through and steal in an intangible situation. Heaven is often referred to as the Father's house in the scripture. Also, heaven is spoken of as the heavenly city of the Old Testament believers, I Read in Hebrews chapter 12 verse 22.
These all died in faith not having received the promises. But having seen them afar off and were persuaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
And then for further explanation We read if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out. They might have had opportunity to have returned but now they desire a better country. That is and heavenly where for God is not ashamed to be called their God for he hath prepared for them a city.
And then in 2nd Corinthians chapter 12 verse 2 The wonderful Apostle Paul relates how he was caught up into the third heaven and he found himself in as definite a location as He had ever been. Well since it is a place what kind of a place is it?
Well, first of all, it is a place of ideal order and government. Ideal order and government. The Apostle John in his vision of heaven when the door was opened and he was permitted to see within He noticed among other things a throne set in heaven and one sat on the throne.
Revelation 4 verse 2. Now the word throne when it's used in Scripture primarily denotes the seat of authority and regulated government. Heaven has a throne. But not only is it a place of ideal order and government it is commodious.
One of the objections sometimes urged against the heavenly city is a lack of space to accommodate the vast number of people. Who are supposed to have had their habitation in the holy city? From the death of righteous Abel down to death of the person who dies just a moment ago.
Uncounted millions have fallen asleep in the hope of a blessed immortality and to give them all a place would require enormous space. But John in the book of the Revelation gives the dimensions of the holy city.
He tells us it is 1500 miles square a perfect cube. That means that it is as far as from Maine to Florida and from the Atlantic Ocean To halfway across the continent and an equal distance from top to bottom.
Consider the significance of these distances. Someone calculated that if the world stood as it is for a hundred thousand years and a billion People died in each generation. There would be ample space for all in heaven Allowing 15 feet to the story.
The city would be five hundred and twenty eight thousand stories high. Every one of the stories would contain two million two hundred and fifty thousand square miles. All the stories combined would total one trillion one hundred and eighty eight billion square miles.
It is utterly impossible to conceive the immensity of the city. In the thousands of years since Adam and Eve were created there had been one hundred and eighty Generations if we allow thirty three and a third years to each generation.
Now the mathematicians say that suppose every generation were as large as the present one and of course it was not. 360 billion would be the total population of earth since the creation of man. Dividing these billions into families of five to a family There would be 72 billion families and then dividing the number of families into the number of square miles.
There would be for every family an area of 16 and one-half square miles room for mansions walks driveways fields forest orchards Gardens lake streams and everything that the heart could wish. Now this distribution of space Is on the supposition that every generation was large as the present one and all were saved and safe within the Jasper walls.
The Department of Eugenics of the Carnegie Institute Has estimated the total population of the world since man first began on appeared on earth at 30 billion on. This estimate of population there would be an area of one hundred and ninety-eight miles for every man woman and child from Adam to the present time 198 miles.
Now these estimates as the space and population give you an idea of the size and possible number of inhabitants that this place can Accommodate but I want you to notice also it is a place of beauty. God loves the beautiful or he would not have put so much beauty in this world.
The Bible does not go into details, but it tells us enough to let us know that beauty in heaven has reached perfection. The Apostle John caught a glimpse of it. Did he not and tried to describe something of its beauty?
But the best he could do was to use a few familiar symbols such as the walls or Jasper the foundations garnished with precious stones. Every gate of pearl and the city is of pure gold like undeclared glass.
It is a place of majestic beauty. Also, it is a place of perfect service. Since heaven is where god's will is fully done. Then it must be a place of perfect service. To be sure heaven is a place of perfect rest, but that is not the rest of inactivity but of perfect satisfaction.
Inactivity, but what kind of activity. Well for one thing there will be intellectual activity. It is a place of never tiring thought. But not only so it is a place of congenial social activity. There is nothing more delightful to you and me than human association.
Man is not normally a solitary creature preferring to be alone. He was not created to live alone. Man must have congenial associates to be his best self. In heaven, there will be no gossip. No bag biting no meddling.
The lewd the vulgar the obscene the liar the slanderer the mean and contemptible will all be excluded. There will be no friction. No misunderstanding, but perfect appreciation. A perfect environment with perfect people in it will constitute the social life of heaven.
And I say unto you that many shall come from the east and west and shall sit down with abraham and isaac and jacob. In the kingdom of heaven matthew 8 verse 11. What a wonderful and exciting thing to take place.
But also it is a place of open vision. Here the child of god walks by faith there. The glory vision shall be his. Dimly now he traces the dark outlines of heavenly things seeing through a glass darkly.
But then face to face now knowing in part, but then fully. And seventhly it is a place of unhindered worship. John saw the worshiping throng before the throne. On earth worshipers gather in small groups and amid much weakness and the feebleness of our praise is painfully obvious.
It is only his matchless grace that encourages the believer to know that his poor worship is even accepted. But in heaven how different it will be. What glorious unison of full-hearted pure untainted and unceasing worship.
The redeemed shall be able to render as they sing the song of moses and the lamb and then eighth. It is home. It is home the eternal the abiding home. Christ described it as my father's house. A father's house is also the children's house.
You and I know that home is one of the most tender words in the human language. That is heaven. It is at home with the lord gather up all the word home means to you here. Multiplied a million times and that will give you some faint idea of what heaven is to every weary homesick child of god.
Heaven is home. The word home that is meant so much here is to mean even more over there. It is heaven. What joys are lost what hopes are given as through this death-struck world? We roam we think a while that home is heaven.
We learn at length That heaven is home. What and where is that place? Wherever it is and ever how it's worked out. We'll be with our wonderful blessed lord. But you say well I want to go but How do I get there?
Well, we know we are saved but We also know that there's a problem. We know that Even though we are born again believers We are aware that as we are constituted. We could not just enter heaven in this fleshly being which we have so a pertinent question is how are we fitted for heaven?
We ascertain the requirement for a place. How do we meet the requirements to be a dweller in that place? It is very clear that nothing that is at all incompatible with the purity and holiness of that habitation can enter into it.
Nothing that is ungodly or impure shall ever be found there. With such qualifications required. How can anyone become fit for such a place? The question is an overwhelming one. How can any mortal man with his old nature still clinging to him ever feel that he is fit for heaven?
Where the. The four living creatures rest not day and night saying holy holy holy lord God almighty which was and is and is to come. Revelation 4 8. Heaven is peopled by those who have come from every nation and kindred and tongue on the earth.
It is certain no one can go to join that happy throng without duly being fitted to go. Now there is another fact which adds to the difficulty of the situation. The scripture tells us of people being admitted to heaven who appear to have no fitness for it whatsoever.
Moses, for example was a great and good man in many respects yet. His life was far from correct. Because of sin god would not permit him to enter the promised land and yet moses is there for he appeared in glory.
As he talked with jesus on the mount of transfiguration. About his decease which he should accomplish at jerusalem luke chapter 9 verses 30 and 31. To the penitent thief on the cross beside him jesus christ said today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Luke 23 43. Who was this man? What was his history? He was a common thief. He had a long record of crimes to his credit. He was so bad. He had been arrested and condemned to death for his misdoing because this was the penalty for habitual crimes.
There was no time for him to make preparation. Now. His life is fast aiming away for every good deed He has ever performed. He has dozens of bad ones to account for. Yet Jesus christ tells the dying thief that he will take him along with him to paradise before the day is over.
And the lord never promised a poor trusting soul. Anything which he did not do. How could such a one as this be made ready for heaven in so brief a time? And under such distressing circumstances. Well in the epistle to the colossians paul sets forth both the believer's inheritance.
And his fitness for it as clearly as to be found anywhere in the scripture. In colossians chapter 1 there is a very long sentence. It begins at verse 9 and it ends with verse 17. And in the very center of this extended sentence.
You find these words giving thanks unto the father which hath made us. Meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in life. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son.
In whom we have redemption through his blood even the forgiveness of sin. Now question who were these colossians of whom such wonderful things could be said? Well, they were a group of people who had recently been gathered together from paganism through the preaching of the gospel.
The great majority of them were no doubt gentile people. But a radical change had been wrought in them. How did these colossians receive this fitness? If the secret of their acceptance can be discovered then the answer to the question for fitness for heaven is found.
There is a word used in this scripture, which gives us a clue to the answer. It is that word inheritance inheritance. An inheritance is an apportioned possession allotted to one on the basis of heirship.
Something which becomes his by virtue of his connection with the one who is able to bestow it. Simon peter describes this remarkable inheritance more fully in his first epistle. He says blessed be god and father of our lord.
Jesus christ. Which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of jesus christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in heaven for you.
Who are kept by the power of god through faith? Unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time read again. First peter one three through five. What a wonderful inheritance. Well, let's think for a moment about this inheritance.
First of all it is incorruptible. In this life in which you and I have. Everything is tending to decay and corruption. But this holy inheritance of the saints in light abides incorrupted and incorruptible.
It is forever incorruptible. But not only is it incorruptible. It is also undefiled. The inheritance is undefiled. There is nothing on earth that is unmarred by imperfection. There is nothing that is untainted by impurities.
But not so with the inheritance of the saints. There is not the least suggestion of defilement on it. But also it will not fade away. Earthly possessions and glories fade but the inheritance remains forever the same.
For it is reserved in heaven for those who heirs of it. It will not fade away. And then fourthly it is the inheritance of the saints. None, but the blood-bought children of god can ever have part in it.
It is reserved exclusively for the saints in light for saints revealed manifested shown as saints. Saints are in the light now and walk in light, but our life is hid with christ in god. They are yet to be made manifest and when they are manifested it will be in the likeness of christ with whom they are joint heirs.
So in view of the purity and perfection of the inheritance the wonder grows as to how anyone can ever be qualified To come into possession of it. But that there are multitudes of poor frail human beings fitted for it and kept securely for it cannot be doubted for a moment.
How is this fitness secured? Jesus christ the last adam through his atoning sacrifice brings back all who receive him into fellowship with god. And into eternal life and thus they become sons of god and joint heirs with christ Jesus to this glorious inheritance of the saints.
But who makes one fit for this inheritance one asks. Does he do it himself or does another do it for him? Or does he do part and someone else the remainder and thus by both working together the fitness is finally secured.
Many think this fitness depends entirely on what they do themselves. But according to the teaching of the holy scripture one's qualification for entering heaven his right to become partaker of this inheritance which belongs to his.
Only to the saints in light is not secured by anything which he may be able to do for himself. What could that dying thief on the cross do for example, which would admit him into paradise? Oh to be sure the kind of reward one will have in heaven depends on the character of the deeds done in the body while on earth.
But the point i'm making is so far as one's admittance into the heavenly realm and his fitness to be there are concerned. There is not one single thing he can do. The scripture very definitely teaches that one is in the heavenly realm.
Will be no more saved than another insofar as admission is concerned. But there will be those who will not have stored up any treasures in heaven and hence have no reward. All their works are burned up, but they are themselves saved yet.
So as by fire first corinthians 3 15. But the subject i'm discussing is not rewards. But fitness to enter heaven and that fitness one does not provide for himself. Well does one's fitness then depend partly on what he does and partly on christ does for him?
I suppose a majority of professing christians think this is the way fitness is secured. They suppose that jesus christ provides some of it for them. And they add the balance if they work long enough and hard enough at the task.
It is well known that people generally think that fitness for the future life is due to some gradual improvement during life. Or to some sudden change at death while others expect a process of purification to be affected in another world.
But despite all opinions and views to the contrary. There is only one thing. No more and no less that makes one qualified to enter heaven and that one thing Is the atoning work the finished work of the lord jesus christ.
One's fitness depends not on what he has done, but solely on what jesus christ has done. There is just one thing that will separate persons from god and that is sin. Remove that and there is nothing between any soul and god.
There is only one way back to god and that is the removal of sin. This could be done only by jesus christ first peter 224 who his own self bear our sins in his own body on the tree that we being dead to sins Should live under righteousness.
The full penalty of sin was visited on him not a portion of it. And since he paid that all who believe on him are freed from the condemnation of sin. This freedom is theirs for the taking they do not earn it, but that's not all.
He offers not only forgiveness of sin, but righteousness to all who will accept it. The scripture says for by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Whereof the holy ghost also is a witness to us for after that he had said before this is the covenant that I will make With them after those days saith the lord.
I will pour my laws into their hearts and in their minds. Will I write them and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more? Now where remission of these is there is no more offering for sin. Hebrews 10 verses 14 to 18.
So the believer is made perfect in jesus christ and by jesus christ. If this is true, what are some of the things which christ bestows on the believer now in the way of fitness for heaven? Well, first of all, he has peace with god.
Romans 5 1. Therefore being justified by faith. We have peace with god through our lord. Jesus christ. We're no longer enemies and separated from god. But also the believer is sanctified first. Corinthians 6 verse 11.
The apostle paul reminds you are washed but you are sanctified. But you are justified in the name of the lord. Jesus and by the spirit of our god. But not only does he have peace with god and not only is the believer sanctified but the believers reconciled to god.
No one is fit for heaven until this reconciliation is effected. Colossians 1 verses 21 and 22. You that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works. Yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death.
To present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight. Fourthly man's bondage to satan is broken. As long as this bondage continues he is no wise fit for heaven. Giving thanks unto the father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in life.
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and hath translated us in the kingdom of his dear son. In whom we have redemption through his blood. Even the forgiveness of sin. Colossians 1 12 through 14 again read that over and over again.
The power of darkness is broken. The transfer is complete and the believer is no longer in bondage to the god of this world. Well, when is this fitness secured one asks? Is it a process or is it an act?
No, not by a long process, but by one definite act. God translates the believer out of the power of darkness in which the whole world lieth and Instantly translates him into the kingdom of the son of his love.
What is one to do. Someone says to become fit for heaven again, just one thing. Romans 10 8 through 10. The word is nigh thee even in thy mouth and in thy heart. That if thou shall confess with thy mouth the lord jesus and shall believe in thine heart that god hath raised him from the dead.
Thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Jesus christ alone provides the fitness and the believer has only to accept that payment.
One of the great tragedies that so many people live so close to christianity. And yet to never come to know the lord jesus I ran across. Several things I want to share this with you. Twas the night before jesus came.
Twas the night before jesus came and all through the house not a creature was praying not one in the house. Their bibles were laying on the shelf without care in hopes that jesus would not come there.
The children were dressing to crawl into bed not once ever kneeling or bowing ahead. And mom in a rocker with baby on her lap was watching the late show while I took a nap. When out of the east there rose such a clatter I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window. I flew like a flash tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but angels proclaiming that jesus was here. With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray.
I knew in a moment. This must be the day. The light of his face made me cover my head. It was jesus Returning just like he had said and though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth I cried when I saw him in spite of myself.
In the book of life, which he held in his hand was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as he searched for my name when he said it's not here. My head hung in shame the people whose names had been written with love.
He gathered to take to his father above. With those who were ready he rose without a sound while all the rest were left standing around. I fell to my knees, but it was too late. I had waited too long and the seal to my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight. Oh, if only I had been ready tonight. In the words of this poem, the meaning is clear. The coming of jesus is drawing near. There's only one life and when comes the last call we'll find that the bible was true after all revelation 1911 13 and 16.
Then I saw heaven open and behold a white horse. And he who sat on him was called faithful and true. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood and his name is called the word of god. And he has on his robe and on his thigh a name written king of kings and lord of lords.
One of these days our precious savior is coming to receive us unto himself. That where we may that where he is we may also be. May god grant you the confidence That you belong to him. As you walk with him day by day, may he bless your way may his light be upon thy path.
And may the light of his presence be yours in these critical and crucial last days of human history. Let's summarize Where we are? The question we're dealing with is how will we spend eternity? And of course some people make the question so difficult That many people are reluctant to answer.
Of course as we've said it cannot be answered completely. But it is of incomparable importance that we have understanding of the subject. The sad preoccupation of nearly all men is with this present evil world.
You might read galatians 1 4. And Most people have no concern for the eternal ages to come. It is certainly the strangest paradox of modern times after all I believe man was created for eternity. And everyone who is ever born Who's ever maybe even conceived in the womb will continue to exist forever.
And nothing can possibly Be more important than a proper understanding Of eternity and adequate preparation for it now. Science does not deal with the distant future very much. But there is a strong implication of eternal existence that is found even in the most basic laws of all sciences.
The law is that of what they call conservation of energy. This conservation of energy is a law and it simply means that nothing is created or destroyed but everything is conserved. And if the natural phenomena which Are studied and comprehended by human consciousness are eternally conserved then surely One could say that the consciousness which studies them is conserved also.
Now the nature of the perpetual conservation of each human personality is revealed only in holy scripture. It is closely correlated with god's primeval purpose in creation. The earth was created primarily for man, I believe that man was created for personal fellowship with god.
The interruption of an age of sin and rebellion then has temporarily delayed the accomplishment of god's purpose. All in the plan in the realm of god's control. But nevertheless the incarnation of the son of god in the person of the lord Jesus christ when he came in human flesh and gave his life as a substitutionary death on the cross for our sins.
And then his triumphant resurrection for our justification have all together the finished work of christ purchased. Salvation and restoration of all who receive him by faith as personal lord and savior.
Jesus christ is thus not only the redeemer, but he is also the great divider Between those who desire to be restored to god's eternal fellowship on the one hand and those who prefer to remain separated from him.
On the other hand you recall the scripture in john chapter 3 verses 18 19. And then let me add verse 36. He that believeth on him is not condemned. But he that believeth not is condemned already because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of god.
And this is the condemnation that light is coming to the world and men love darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. He that believeth on the sun hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the sun shall not see life.
But the wrath of god abideth on him. So there are therefore then two distinct categories of inhabitants of eternity the saved and the unsaved. Those who have received everlasting life and those upon whom god's wrath must abide forever.
It is most sobering to realize that most people are in the second category. Those upon whom god's wrath must abide forever. Matthew chapter 7 verse 14. Few there be that find that way that leads to eternal life.
John 5 40. He said you will not come to me that you might have life. So you and I know as bible believers that those who reject or neglect the lord jesus christ and his great salvation Hebrews chapter 2 verse 3 will spend an eternity in everlasting separation from the presence of the lord and from the glory Of his power.
Second thessalonians chapter 1 verse 9. Since they have shown that they do not want his presence and authority in their lives. They will actually be less miserable this way than if they were forced to go to heaven.
However, you and I know that such a total absence of god's will Will mean the perpetual presence of darkness and evil and suffering. Their existence is described as one of wandering stars to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
Like raging waves of the sea foaming out their own shame. Jude verse 13. Jesus said that they would be where their worm never dieth and the fires not quenched. Mark 9 44. Beloved the anguish of regret and hatred will be with them forever.
Revelation 14 11 says the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever and they have no rest day or night. Jesus also said he which is filthy. Let him be filthy still. Revelation 22 11. This is only a glimpse of what hell will be.
It is everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25 41. Yes, it will be an actual physical existence in a real portion of this created universe. But it will be infinitely removed in space from god's presence.
The location is called the lake of fire. Revelation 20 verse 15. I don't know that possibly a vast dark nebula of burning gases in some remote and inaccessible corner of god's marvelous universe. But whatever in glorious contrast those who are saved shall ever be with the lord.
First thessalonians 4 17. And they will not only be there but in unending joy. Isaiah 65 verse 17 and 18 are beautiful verses. For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth and the former shall not be remembered nor come to come into mind.
But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create. The earth and all things will be made new revelation 21 5 purged forever of all the age-long effects of sin. And there shall be no more curse.
Revelation 22 3. The heavenly city in the new jerusalem will descend out of heaven from god. Revelation 21 10. And will then be established forever on the new earth. And there it is that god shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there shall be no more death.
Neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things are passed away. Revelation 21 4. He will bring in everlasting righteousness. Daniel 9 24. They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12 3. They will dwell in the house of the lord forever. Psalm 23 verse 6. It will not of course be a place as i've said of eternal idleness. Revelation 22 3 says his servants shall serve him. Just as man when first created was given responsibility over the earth.
I believe that redeemed man will be given the privilege of serving god in the new creation. And lest anyone doubt that there are enough tasks to occupy eternal time. They might remember that there are numberless worlds to explore throughout infinite space and that he can never exhaust the intricacies and potentialities of a universe created by the omnipotent and omniscient god.
Even the study of the inexhaustible word of god itself may well occupy many ages to come. Then of course there will also be the joy of reunion with loved ones and friends of other years. With ample time then for fellowship and sharing of testimonies.
Of a meeting and getting to know adam and noah david and john the baptist and paul. As well as john bunyan charles spurgeon all the other disciples of the lord small and great from all the ages. But the most glorious prospect of all is that of seeing the lord jesus himself.
Revelation 22 4 says they shall see his face and his name shall be in their foreheads. Then shall jesus's prayer be answered when he said in john 17 24 father I will that they also whom thou has given me be with me where I am.
That they may behold my glory which thou has given me. Thus we shall spend eternity with christ and will never cease to praise him for his great love wherewith he loved us. Ephesians 2 4. Therefore we reckon that the sufferings of this present time Are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8 18. Unto him be glory in the church by christ jesus throughout all ages world without end amen. Ephesians 3 21. Because we Have our faith and trust in god and god's word let us continue to trust him and let us continue to be sensitive to what the lord does and You know, let us Make sure That man doesn't persuade us and that to the point as to where we let what someone says interrupt what we believe let's trust and pray and walk in god's word and let us do what is that which pleases god and Trust in him and we know that he will do the best thing for us.
There are many questions that we have and Uh wish we had time to answer them. Will there be animals in heaven and things of this nature and The scripture doesn't give a lot of information on it but it does give us some exciting intimations and what you and I need to do is to just trust god's word and you know and to Let uh god be god and we're his children and he's going to take care of us.
But before we close I do want to share a thought or two with you concerning A subject that someone asked me about the other evening and asked would I make a comment about it if we had some time? So I thought I would just share a few thoughts with you about my view because it doesn't deal with the subject of the christian view of death, but it is uh, Dealing with with what i'm talking about about having other people, you know, there are some groups Within the christian realm and certainly in others but within the christian realm who make great use of relics and great use of Articles and icons and holy pictures and Holy things they say and these are used to hold the allegiance of the people.
These are used to capture the minds of people these are used to take hold of the efforts and energies of people and to keep them if If I can say under control. And so people are constantly looking for something.
They're constantly looking for something they can see. They're constantly looking for something they can feel they can Touch they can hold on to. People want something material to substantiate that which they have in their heart and yet We know our lord said blessed are those who do not see and yet will believe.
And one of the most amazing things has come up is a thing called the shroud of turin. Now the shroud of turin is It's been called one of the greatest treasures of the christian world. The roman church has made a great deal of this.
One man said it was the most important relic in the history of christianity. And someone else even went so far to say that it is a self-portrait of jesus christ. Others have said and they've dubbed it the world's strangest mystery.
Someone called it a false persuasion. Someone else said it's a harmless piece of bull foolery. So there are contradictory Opinions concerning the shroud of turin. I have not handled the shroud of turin.
I have not examined the shroud of turin. I've not Been able to go and touch it and feel it and I do not have scientific background. So consequently I could not put it to scientific tests. But I think that there are several things that we can come to conclusions concerning the shroud of turin from august 27 through october the 8th 1978 It was on public display and 3 .3 million people paraded past to catch a glimpse of it.
Many books have been written about the shroud of turin. One of the most well known is entitled the shroud of turin the burial cloth of jesus christ question mark. That's the title the shroud of turin colon the burial cloth of jesus christ question mark.
And it's by eon wilson who is an oxford graduate in history in february 1980. There was a film concerning The shroud of turin and it was called in search of the historic jesus and it was released in los angeles, california.
So here's the question. What is the shroud of turin and why all the commotion and controversy concerning it? What it is. Let's think for a moment. The shroud of turin is a frail piece of coarse yellowed linen 14 feet three inches long and three feet seven inches wide.
It is housed in the cathedral of saint john the baptist in turin italy. This might be just another old rag. Except for the two images that are found on it. It appears that a man was placed on his back at one end of this long linen cloth and the other end was draped over him.
The man was thus sandwiched between the linen halves. The shroud contains two images the front and back view of a man whose height had been variously estimated. By many people who've examined it between five feet ten inches and six feet two inches.
And what makes this so interesting is that the man apparently was scourged and crucified. Such as this described in the gospels of the new testament portions of the scripture. Now for centuries people have claimed that this shroud was the burial cloth of jesus christ.
You see it isn't anything new. It is something that's brought about some commotion in recent days, but it has been around for a long time. Recently. Scientists, however have examined it and some have concluded that it is authentic.
Newsweek reports that the coordinator for an american team of scientists who examined the shroud kenneth stevenson Said and I quote based on the scientific evidence to date. Most of us would agree that it is the authentic burial cloth of jesus christ.
Close quote. Well, can you imagine the excitement that would go through the world? Especially the roman church that majors and has great emphases on relics and icons and images and things of this nature.
Well, but is it really the burial cloth of jesus christ? Is it fact or is it fake? Is it fact or is it fiction? Let's you and I consider the arguments. First of all, let's look at the proposition those who say that it is.
Three of the major arguments used in favor of the shroud's authenticity are the cloth. The image and the pollen that's p-o-l-l-e-n the pollen. The linen fabric is woven in a herringbone pattern called three to one twill.
This sort of weave was common to the middle east during the first century. So that fits the remarkably precise detail of the image is most impressive. The wounds display an uncanny correspondence to the biblical account of jesus christ scourging and crucifixion.
The back the shoulders the sides and the legs are covered with over 100 Dumbbell shaped marks such as scourging in the first century would have produced. These marks are in the shape of wounds inflicted by a short-handled roman whip called a phlegm.
I'll spell that for you f-l-a-g-r-u-m. I notice many of you are taking quite extensive notes called a phlegm. So meticulous has been the investigations of the shroud that some have even estimated the height of the man doing the whipping.
Amazingly on the shoulders now of the image are bruises that could have been caused by a heavy object estimated to weigh up to 125 pounds. Scientists say that would have been the weight of the cross beam.
Jesus Christ was commanded to carry to Golgotha. There are apparent Head blood stains on the shroud on the hairline and forehead such as would have been caused by the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore.
The wrist and the feet are pierced. We're talking about the image that is on the shroud. Furthermore between the fifth and sixth ribs on the right side of the body. There is a slant wound that could have been made by a lance a spear.
Now there are three explanations of how the image got on that linen. First of all one explanation is it was painted on there. Secondly, it was caused by body vapors or thirdly. It was produced by a sudden burst of energy or light.
First of all an examination of some of the threads under an electronic microscope. Revealed that whatever caused the image affected only the surface of the thread. Experts thus conclude that it was not caused by paint or dye.
Let's deal with the second one. It was caused by body vapors. Body vapors have been ruled out because such vapors do not rise in a straight line, but diffuse in the air. Experiments and body vapors achieved blurred images.
The images on the shroud of Turin are too sharp to have been caused by vapors. So we go to the third Explanation that leaves the burst of energy theory which scientists from Los Alamos scientific laboratory in New Mexico have concluded caused the imprint.
The pollen is also used to support the authenticity of the shroud. Max Frye, that's F. R. E. I a Swiss botanist and well-known criminologist. Found traces of pollen on the shroud like that found in Palestine in Turkey.
One of the argument that might be worth at least mentioning in our conversation is that some say the shroud can be traced Historically all the way back to the first century now. We do know that it was in Turin for 400 years.
Again I say it isn't anything new it has been around you. It may be new to you. But if we know it was there for 400 years as a matter of fact in 1978 when it was put on public display it was done in commemoration of the 400 years the shroud was in Turin, Italy.
Prior to that we can document and demonstrate that it was in France. Prior to that the history then begins to get spotty. There is a legend dating back to about 600 AD. That there was something like this in Turkey.
So that the history that I have read would suggest that there is not an unbroken line. And we can document only its journey from the last four to five hundred years that I think it would be extremely difficult.
I've not seen any evidence for someone to say there's an unbroken line that we can connect it all the way back to the first Century, but some have used the historical argument to support the claim that the shroud of Turin is authentic.
But let's go to the con position or the against we've talked about the pro those who are for let's go to the con position against. Let me just very quickly state that I am against this being the real thing.
I do not believe it to be true. Three of the arguments used against the authenticity of the shroud or the cloth the image and the blood Jesus was buried in linen. The Bible says the shroud of Turin is linen true.
The weave however is a herringbone twill and swatch. Such a weave We say was used in Palestine during the first century, but that was the common weave for cotton at the time of Christ. One author has stated.
No linen cloth of that herringbone twill weave dates back to the first century. The condition of this cloth is consistent with an age of 600 years, but not 2 ,000 years. The first documented appearance of this shroud that we know of was in Leray, France.
That's L-I-R-E-Y Leray, France in 1353 AD. Now Leray was a prime linen manufacturing center as a matter of fact. There was a manufacturer of herringbone linen in Leray at the time the shroud first appeared there experts have not.
Experts have been unable to apply the carbon -14 dating methods to determine the age of the shroud. Because those who own the shroud say the swatch of cloth needed for the test would destroy the shroud.
But now let me say the image does not fit the facts of Christ's crucifixion in The first place 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet 2 inches is much too tall for the first century Palestinian. The imprint also indicates the man wore a cap of thorns instead of a wreath of thorns such as Jesus wore.
The nail wounds are through the wrists and not the hands in the shroud. Joe Nickell a photographer using only 14th century materials and methods has duplicated the shroud of Turin imagery. What he did was this man soaked a cloth in hot water.
He then molded it to a bas-relief. Then using a pigment of mixture of myrrh and aloes he stroked on it stroked all this mixture on with a dauber like one does when they rub a Gravestone and what that does it produced an image that explains the shroud of Turin including the pollen from Palestine.
Because the pollen came from the pigment of aloes and myrrh the blood Nickell also said Repeatedly sophisticated test. I'm quoting Repeatedly sophisticated tests capable of detecting ancient blood matter indicated.
No blood was present. The blood stains would not even dissolve further proving that they are not genuine. In-quote, so let me share with you my conclusions concerning the shroud of Turin. Obviously both sides have points to be made in this kind of a debate.
But personally I've reached three basic conclusions concerning the shroud of Turin. First of all after considering the biblical data I have concluded the shroud of Turin is not the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.
The problem simply put is this the synoptic Gospels say that Jesus was wrapped in a clean linen cloth. Matthew 2759 mark 1546 and Luke 23 53 if those verses mean that Jesus was laid in one single cloth.
Then the shroud of Turin could be authentic. However, that is not the picture the Bible presents. John says that Jesus Christ was buried according to the manner of the Jews. John 19 verse 40. That means three things.
First of all, the body was washed. Secondly, the body was wrapped and thirdly the head was wrapped with a separate cloth. When you read the rest of John's account, it confirms that John further tells us that Joseph Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus Used a hundred pound mixture of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus's body for burial.
John 19 verses 38 and 39. Now, why did they do that? To wash the body of Jesus thus all the bloodstains were washed clean. Now remember the shroud of Turin is purported to have bloodstains. The picture that John paints is that Jesus's body was wrapped after the manner of the Jews and his head was wrapped in a separate Piece from the rest of his body.
John chapter 20 verses 6 and 7. You recall when Peter went into the tomb, he saw the head wrappings and the body wrappings. Other verses indicate there was more than one cloth used. Luke 24 12. Many Bible commentators have concluded that the statements in the synoptic Gospels about his being wrapped in a linen cloth are a Summary in nature and the details are given then by John.
So on that basis the shroud of Turin is not authentic. Jesus's body was washed and wrapped in at least two separate pieces of linen. My second conclusion is that the film in search of the historic Jesus watch.
This is Mormon propaganda. I Saw the film the introduction was like a documentary. A man with a beard standing in front of bookshelves Came out and he asked some penetrating pertinent questions. After concluding the Bible was historically reliable.
The film traced the life of Jesus Christ. It dramatized the biblical account. It then included the traditions and the legends of the 18 silent years. It portrayed Christ going to India and England between the ages of 12 and 30.
Then very subtly and carefully it injected the Mormon teaching that Jesus Christ visited the American Indians. Seeing the acknowledgement at the end of the film stating that it was filmed in the state of Utah provoked me into investigating and.
The producer of the film and that is Sun classic productions as you in in Sun classic productions. Sun classic productions of Park City, Utah is a Mormon organization. The February 3 1980 issue of parade magazine even called Sun Productions quote a Mormon organization close quote.
And in my opinion the film in search of the historic Jesus is subtle slick, but very capable Mormon propaganda. Finally, I personally doubt that God would allow the preservation of such a relic. He would not allow the children of Israel to know where Moses was buried.
Deuteronomy 34 6. Why they would make his body a relic. Furthermore God does not need nor does he want to use something like the shroud. He works through his word. In Luke 16 the rich man asked Abraham to send someone from the dead to witness to his brothers.
Abraham replied in Luke 16 31 if they hear not Moses and the prophets neither will they be persuaded. The one rose from the dead. Unbelievers do not need the shroud. They need the Holy Scripture. Jesus told Thomas because thou has seen me thou has believed.
Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed. John 20 29. Augustine said this Faith is to believe what we do not see and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. The issue very simply is this God is spoken.
Is our people going to believe his word. Or are they going to follow the concoctions of man? May God grant you and me the wisdom to do that which pleases him by following according to his word. God bless you, and we'll see you again Father.
I pray that you'll take our time together as we study and share and teach. Father. I pray that you will bless us and encourage us and that we'll be the people you want us to be. Thank you for the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.
Thank you for the forgiveness of sin. Thank you for your love and patience. Thank you for your kindness and grace to us. Thank you for your goodness. Thank you for your benevolence. Thank you for being our creator and our salvation.
We thank you for the hope of tomorrow and the promise of the future in Jesus name. We pray amen.